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Aquliani, who arrived at Liverpool from Roma last summer with an ankle problem, has made just eight starts and 11 substitute appearances this season.

"He will not be available for this game," said Benitez.

Careful

"He had a problem with his ankle this morning and we have to fix it.

"It doesn't seem too serious but it's the same ankle as before and so we'll

have to analyse the situation carefully."

Benitez also confirmed defender Martin Kelly will undergo a knee operation which will rule him out of action for the rest of the season.

The 19-year-old defender tore the meniscus - a similar problem to the one which resulted in striker Fernando Torres having surgery in January which sidelined him for five weeks - in training on Saturday.